US Government Shutdown: Republicans and Democrats working to bridge impasse

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In the US, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has set a key vote for early Monday on government funding, in hopes of ending a partial shutdown. This came after the Senate and the House failed to reach an agreement after Saturday sessions. CGTN's Sean Callebs is on Capitol Hill.

On Capitol Hill Republicans and Democrats are working to bridge the impasse. But much of Saturday has been characterized by a Washington, D.C. time-honored tradition --- blaming the other side.

PAUL RYAN US HOUSE SPEAKER "Senate Democrats refuse to fund the government unless we agree to their demands on something entirely unrelated - they want a deal on immigration."

Indeed, the one powerful bargaining tool Democrats are clinging to - is immigration protection for children who entered the United States illegally.

Vocal supporters are taking to the streets -- But, Republicans are refusing to support a plan to fund so-called, "Dreamers" - and the federal program protecting them -called DACA is set to expire in March.

U.S. President Donald Trump has been busy on Twitter writing, "Democrats are far more concerned with illegal Immigrants than they are with our great Military or Safety at our dangerous Southern Border. They could have easily made a deal but decided to play shutdown politics instead."

Unless the two sides can find common ground before the weekend is over, some 850-thousand federal workers will be furloughed starting Monday.

They won't be paid, and non-essential federal entities will close---including national parks and museums.

Democrats bristle at blames heaped on them and point out there has NEVER been a U.S. government shutdown, with one party controlling both chambers and the presidency.

CHUCK SCHUMER US SENATE MINORITY LEADER "Every American knows the Republican party controls the White House, the Senate and the House - It's their job to keep the government open. It's their job to work with us on a way to move things forward."

The Trump Administration isn't even using the term "shutdown." Instead, calling it the more aesthetically-pleasing ---government "lapse."

As the drama unfolded on Saturday, President Trump sent out an apparent sarcastic tweet saying, "This is the One Year Anniversary of my Presidency, and the Democrats wanted to give me a nice present. #DemocratShutdown."

SEAN CALLEBS WASHINGTON "Essential government services, such as national security and the military will continue operating. But, unless a budget deal is approved by February first - U.S. troops will stop getting paid. Sean Callebs, CGTN in Washington."